The Kogi State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to sustainable development through strategic revenue reforms and significant healthcare investments aimed at improving public services and infrastructure.
At the launch of the Land Use Charge Law 2024 implementation, Alhaji Salihu Enehe, the Executive Chairman of the Kogi State Internal Revenue Service (KGIRS), highlighted that taxation is not just a financial obligation but an investment in the state’s future.
Enehe emphasized that improving revenue collection processes would foster transparency and contribute to sustainable economic growth. He stated, “The ongoing tax reforms aim to streamline revenue collection, promote transparency, and ensure that all stakeholders contribute their fair share towards the state’s development.” The event took place at the KGIRS head office in Lokoja.
Describing the Land Use Charge as a critical step in increasing local government revenue, Enehe stressed its potential to support data-driven decision-making, as well as enable smart city development and job creation in the state.
“Today marks a pivotal step in strengthening our revenue base for infrastructure development. The Land Use Charge is not just a levy; it is an investment in better infrastructure, improved public services, and a brighter future for all Kogi residents,” he added.
Enehe called on stakeholders to collaborate with the KGIRS to ensure the initiative’s success, noting, “A well-structured revenue system is the foundation of good governance. By embracing the Land Use Charge, you are helping to empower the government to deliver impactful projects that will benefit businesses, communities, and future generations.”
In parallel, the Kogi State Government has launched an initiative to improve healthcare, commissioning a 60KVA solar-powered cold room and distributing Solar Direct Drive (SDD) refrigerators and cooking utensils to select primary healthcare centers across the state.
Dr. Adeiza Abdullazeez, the Commissioner for Health, described the move as a “significant leap forward” in enhancing routine immunization and maternal-child nutrition. “The deployment of solar refrigerators and cooking utensils marks a significant step in our effort to improve immunization coverage and promote maternal and child nutrition,” he said, urging stakeholders to stay committed to a shared vision of a healthier and more resilient Kogi.
Dr. Musa Mu’azu, the Executive Director of the Kogi State Primary Health Care Development Agency, explained that the initiative’s goal is to strengthen immunization services and provide equitable access to life-saving vaccines for children. He noted that the selected primary healthcare centers (PHCs) were chosen based on critical needs, particularly in remote areas with low immunization coverage.
“We are proud to announce that 246 SDD refrigerators have been installed across the state, replacing outdated units where necessary,” Mu’azu stated. “Today, we are deploying an additional 20 units to enhance vaccine storage capacity and ensure uninterrupted immunization services.”
In addition, the state government is distributing cooking utensils to 19 local government areas as part of the Accelerating Nutrition Results in Nigeria project. Each of the 19 areas will receive cooking utensils for five PHCs, totaling 95 PHCs.
“These utensils will support food demonstrations during antenatal care services, which are vital for promoting maternal, infant, and young child nutrition,” Mu’azu added.
Olumide Adeyeye, the Vaccine Security and Logistics Consultant for UNICEF, praised the Kogi State Government for its commitment to healthcare improvements, stating that the initiative will have a long-lasting impact on residents’ health. “Kogi has made history by installing a 60KVA solar inverter at its cold store, a pioneering achievement in Nigeria. UNICEF is proud to support this initiative,” Adeyeye said.
These combined efforts highlight Kogi State’s commitment to fiscal responsibility, public health improvement, and sustainable development, positioning the state as a model for effective governance in Nigeria.
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